Oh, how I miss you. More than I miss the beer in Germany, or the Tapas in Barcelona. I even miss you more than the pasta in Italy, actually that's a lie, but my love for you, Ireland, is a strong one.
The day I hopped on a plane from Berlin, Germany to arrive on your land is a memorable one. I had no idea I'd fall for you like I did.
Dublin, your colorful doors on every homes step made me feel so happy inside. From the royal blues, the lemon yellows, the London phone booth reds, violet purples and bubble gum pinks.....all of them so bright and welcoming. Let's not forget your burger place that was only a ten minute walk from our hotel that made me want to eat burgers for the rest of my life.
Waterford, your crystal blinded me in the most beautiful way. It amazed me how it was made and I now I want my whole house to be filled with Waterford crystal.
Killarney, where do I even begin? Your land of so much green made me feel so alive. So did the cows in the backyard of the manor we stayed at. Their wet noses making me smile every morning. I could've sat outside with a glass of wine enjoying the outdoors for years.
Galway, your people, pubs, and liveliness made me want to dance every second of everyday. Your Latin Quarter with flags hanging from the sides of the pubs and shops made me feel like I was in a movie. Your music in every single bar made the songwriter and artist inside me feel at home. Your beach made me smile again, since I hadn't been in the water in a while. Let's not forget that everywhere I went, some version of "Galway Girl" sang in my head like I was in my own music video.
Aran Islands, your population of only 750 people, one hospital, one school, three police officers and no crime made me think I was in some sort of heaven. Sitting on the edge of your cliff made me feel some sort of freedom I have never felt before. In a tiny red bus laughing with my friends on your little roads made me realize how grateful I was to meet these people.
Derry, thank you for the art on the walls of your buildings for showing me the history of war, death, and somehow hope and peace between the country you are inhabited in.
Belfast, thank you for your night life that made my dancing feet so giddy again and for your locations that allowed me to feel comfortable to sing my songs in public. Your peace wall now has a writing on it from me and my friends, that may be there until you decide you no longer need that wall. Thank you for the last night we were there, when I let my guard down and fell asleep content and at peace with how my life was turning out to be and the hope for the future.
Ireland.....you are more than just pints of Guinness and Soda Bread. Although, don't get me wrong, I fell in love with those too. But you are a country that allowed me to be myself. You are a country whose people are some of the kindest I've met.
You are a country whose lands are so beautiful, cliffs so big, water so blue and castles so stunning. You are a country that I got to spend time with people who have now become some of my best friends. You are a country that I felt at home at.
So, I thank you and I love you.
One day, I will be back.
